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PS16ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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Overview

An exotic tonewood pairing for a unique look and tone.

The dramatically variegated sets of West African ebony selected for the back and sides of Taylor's Presentation Series, like on this PS16ce Grand Symphony acoustic-electric guitar, are each unique and always spectacular. Together with the many other finely composed design details that adorn these guitars, Taylor's rich aesthetic forms a vibrant visual symphony that's highlighted by sparkling paua abalone inlays and trim. A hand-sculpted ebony armrest elevate the playing experience in elegant and ergonomic fashion, making an artistic statement about the inspirational nature of thoughtful craftsmanship. The PS16ce is a real stunner that marries exotic striped ebony back and sides, supplied by Taylor's ebony mill in Cameroon, with a richly variegated sinker redwood top. The tight-grained top, sliced from old-growth redwood reclaimed from a California river, is infused with an array of colors imparted from the mineral-rich river bed. Sonically, redwood blends the warm overtone complexity of cedar with the attacking power of spruce, while ebony yields some of rosewood’s bell-like fidelity but with the more linear output of maple. This instrument ships in a Taylor deluxe hardshell case for optimal fit and protection.

The PS16ce ships in a Taylor deluxe hardshell case for optimal fit and protection.

Body Shape
Compared to the Taylor Grand Auditorium, the Grand Symphony has a bigger, rounder lower bout and slightely wider "waist" area, and the bigger sound board (top) means more tonal output. Expect a meaty lower midrange and strong treble shimmer. A GS is best if you want a guitar with a robust low end, strong volume when strumming or flatpicking, and clear articulation in response to light fingerpicking attack.

Tonewood Pairing
A player favorite for its origins, sinker redwood soundboards are sliced from huge old-growth redwood logs reclaimed from the depths of Northern California rivers, where they’ve rested in many cases for more than a century. The tops typically display a rich spectrum of variegation, the result of colors uniquely imparted from silt and the mineral-rich water. The age and size of these trees translates into a tight grain with nice cross-grain stiffness, so it will tend to have a fairly bold response, with a brilliance complemented by warm overtones similar to cedar. In fact, it’s often characterized around the Taylor factory as "cedar on steroids." It's great for players who like the warm overtones of cedar with a little extra brightness and headroom. It looks striking when visually matched with African ebony. African ebony is a dense hardwood that produces a clear, focused sound with good projection and volume. It's characterized by strong bass, lower mids, clear highs and a scooped midrange similar to rosewood. It yields rich overtones that complement slower, softer playing, yet it responds well to aggressive playing. Players' techniques and pick choice come through very clearly.

Electronics
Taylor's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acousticly or plugged-in. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before while playing plugged-in. Together with Taylor’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar. The Taylor Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, and active bass and treble controls.

The Taylor Difference
What sets Taylor Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically-sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.

Features

  • Hand-sculpted ebony armrest
  • Reclaimed sinker California rosewood top
  • Striped ebony from Cameroon body
  • Taylor ES2 electronics

Grab this Presentation Series beauty today. Order now.

Specs

PS16ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar Specifications:

Body
  • Body type: Grand Symphony
  • Cutaway: Single
  • Top wood: Solid Sinker
  • Back and sides: Solid striped West African ebony
  • Bracing pattern: CV bracing with relief rout
  • Body finish: Gloss
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Taylor Standard Profile
  • Nut width: 1.75 in. (44.45 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Genuine West African ebony
  • Neck wood: Tropical mahogany
  • Scale length: 25.5 in.
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Yes
  • Brand: Fishman
  • Configuration: Soundhole mounted preamp
  • Preamp EQ: 1-band
  • Feedback filter: No
  • Tuner: No
Other
  • Headstock overlay: West African ebony
  • Tuning machines: Gotoh gold with gold buttons
  • Bridge: West African ebony
  • Saddle and nut: White Tusq/bone nut
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Special features:
  • Case: Hardshell case
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: United States
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